Adult & All Age
Ideas for a focal point with adults and all ages
Display a large sheet of paper with the title ‘Today I have come to…’ and underneath, in three columns, add these images and the associated words: a question mark (‘to ask questions’), a fish symbol (‘to affirm my faith’), and a dove (‘to seek peace’). Prepare small cards, each bearing one of the symbols – enough for everyone to have one or two of each. As people arrive, invite them to take one or more cards.
We gather as disciples of the living Christ
We gather as disciples of the living Christ,
yearning to know him better,
delighting in his presence with us,
and finding joy only in him.
Amen. We gather as disciples of Christ.
This morning when I was coming here I saw an elephant in the park. Do you believe me? Am I telling a lie or a story? It is a story. But why might I say that? As a joke? To see if you were listening? How do we know what is ‘a story’ and what is true?
There are some things which were not true in the past, but are true now. Let’s see if the adults can think of any things. Things that, if they had talked about them when they were young, no-one would have believed such things were possible. E.g. a man walking on the moon, anything to do with computers, boiling water in a plastic kettle.
When Jesus came back from the dead at Easter it was really hard for his friends to believe it – but it really was true. And because it was true, and they soon came to believe it, it changed how we can all understand truth. We now know that Jesus is with us – even if we don’t understand it. That’s what faith is all about: believing someone you trust to tell the truth.
And to know when they are joking about the elephant in the park!
Active worship
You could use The affirmation card (also in print on p.37 of ROOTS Adult & All Age magazine, issue 88).
A prayer of approach, A prayer for all ages together and A sending out prayer could be used.
Bible notes
Notes on Psalm 16 and ideas for using it together.
Children & Young People
Ideas for a focal point with children
Prepare the space
Display on a table a key, three nails, a plate with slices/pieces of fruit, e.g. apple, satsuma, grapes, and if possible, an image of Caravaggio’s painting, The Incredulity of Saint Thomas.
Gathering activity
All sit in a circle. Take the plate of fruit, and offer a piece to the child sitting beside you. As they take it say, ‘Peace be with you.’ Pass the plate round, with each person repeating the words to their neighbour. Ask the group what the nails and key on display might represent. In today’s story, Jesus appears to his disciples in a locked room and shows them his wounds.
Jesus, you came through a locked door
Jesus, you came through a locked door.
Mime trying to turn a key.
You revealed yourself to your disciples.
Make a bow.
Please unlock the doors of our hearts,
Hand on heart.
so we, too, may clearly see you.
Mime putting on glasses.
Amen.